Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was detained by Delhi Police on Wednesday as the INDIA bloc’s protest march towards Jantar Mantar was stopped in central Delhi. The Opposition leaders were protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raising allegations of irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.
The latest detention came a day after Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained following a long protest at Akashvani Bhawan. They were later released.
On Wednesday, Opposition MPs travelled towards Jantar Mantar in buses. Police stopped the buses around 100 metres from the protest site and deployed heavy security, including Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel.
Visuals from the protest showed police surrounding Rahul Gandhi as the march was blocked. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also seen lying on the road during the confrontation with police.
The Opposition has been demanding action against the Election Commission and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Leaders have raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and have used the term “vote chori” to describe their allegations. These are political allegations and have been disputed by the Election Commission and the BJP.
The protest has led to heightened security across central Delhi. Barricades were placed around Jantar Mantar and nearby roads as authorities prepared to prevent the march from moving beyond the permitted protest area.
The latest detention marks the second consecutive day that Rahul Gandhi has been taken into custody during the Opposition’s demonstrations. On Tuesday, he and Priyanka Gandhi were detained after an hours-long sit-in inside Akashvani Bhawan. They were subsequently released.
The situation at Jantar Mantar remains closely watched as Opposition MPs continue their demonstration and security forces maintain a heavy presence in the area.